Oct. 9, 2007 — St. Croix 9-10 All-Stars’ four-game tour of Guayama, Puerto Rico, was an overwhelming success. The team, chosen from both Elmo Plaskett Little League districts, traveled to Guayama and played four games from Oct. 4 to 8, finishing with a 3-0-1 record.
The team’s successful tour was a result of the All Stars’ all around good play. With a deep pitching core, a balanced hitting attack and stellar defense, they proved to be a bit much for their Guayama counterparts.
In game one Saturday, the All-Stars defeated the White Sox 3-2 behind a strong pitching effort from Darren Stevens. He pitched three scoreless innings while striking out six before having to leave with a 3-0 lead because of the 58-pitch limit for his age group. Christopher Joseph pitched the rest of the way to preserve the victory. Top hitters for St. Croix were Leonardo Castillo, 1 for 2 with one RBI, and Carlos Rosa and Isaiah Velasquez, both 1 for 2.
Game two ended in a 4-4 stalemate as the St. Croix All-Stars took on the local Cardinals. Castillo led the All-Stars by going 1 for 3 with a double and one RBI, while De’Ondre Simmonds went 1 for 2 with one RBI.
The Crucians took on the Cangrejeros in game three on Sunday and really took it to them, thrashing them 8-1. Winning pitcher Carlos Rosa Jr. and reliever De’Ondre Simmonds combined on a one hitter for St. Croix.
Rosa helped his own cause at the plate by going 2 for 2 with a home run, a triple and two RBIs. He also scored two runs. Stevens went 2 for 3 with one RBI.
Game four saw the Crucians edge another local team, the Marlins, by a score of 5-4.
Jamari Venzen picked up the win on the hill for St. Croix. Top hitters for the All-Stars were Evanson Matthew, 2 for 3, and Isaiah Velasquez, 2 for 2.
The All-Stars returned home with two of the tournament’s top performers. Stevens won the best pitcher award, while Rosa was the tournament’s best hitter.
The president of the Elmo Plaskett Little League East, Paul Yarwood, and the V.I. Little League director, Joe Samuel, must be commended for their efforts in providing such opportunities for the youth of the Virgin Islands. It was a great venue to showcase the up-and-coming talents in the territory.